Loose fitting garments can accommodate a
greater number of different bodyshapes but close fitting garments cannot. The
assumption is that stretch garments will automatically stretch in the right
places to give an acceptable fit and provide comfort as well as ease of
movement. But this is a fundamental misunderstanding of stretch fabric
characteristics and garment pattern geometry. To date the garment industry has
focused on speeding up, through the use of CAD systems, empirical pattern
construction methods which developed through custom and practice. This
subjective approach has significant limitations, particularly when applied to
stretch pattern design it is inappropriate for today’s technology. A brief
overview of current pattern technology has been presented in this paper. The
factors considered in developing stretch pattern technology include digitally
quantifying the degree of fabric stretch and an objective approach for
assessing stretch fit. The aim of the study is to make the process of stretch
pattern construction more transparent in CAD applications for the
designer/technician, fabric technologist and global manufacturer, and
ultimately to offer better fitting and more comfortable garments for the
customer.

Disclaimer: NISCAIR assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors. The editorial staff in its work of examining papers received for publication is helped, in an honorary capacity, by many distinguished engineers and scientists.